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Governor Phil Murphy

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Nurture NJ Strategic Plan

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Infant Formula Shortage

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Maternal Health Hospital Report Card

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Black Maternal Health Week 2023

Calendar of Events

Nurture NJ

Combating New Jersey’s Maternal and Infant Mortality Crisis

On Maternal Health Awareness Day 2019, First Lady Tammy Murphy launched Nurture NJ, a statewide initiative committed to transforming New Jersey into the safest and most equitable state in the nation to deliver and raise a baby.

Currently, New Jersey is ranked 36th in the nation for maternal deaths[1] and has one of the widest racial disparities for both maternal and infant mortality. A Black mother in New Jersey is almost seven times more likely than a white mother to die from maternity-related complications, and a Black baby is nearly three times more likely than a white baby to die before his or her first birthday. For Hispanic mothers, the rate is 3.5 compared with white mothers and for Hispanic babies, the rate is nearly 1.5.[2]

This is completely unacceptable. We should not be losing any mothers or babies in childbirth.

At the root of these disparities lies generations of systemic racism and its effect on social determinants of health. These factors have historically limited women and infants, especially Black moms and babies, from having the opportunity to simply be healthy.

To change course on this abhorrent reality, we are making long-term, sustainable changes to completely transform the maternal health landscape of our state and every fundamental element influencing a mother’s life and health.

In January 2021, the First Lady unveiled the Nurture NJ Maternal and Infant Health Strategic Plan - a blueprint to reduce New Jersey’s maternal mortality by 50 percent over five years and eliminate racial disparities in birth outcomes. This plan was the culmination of over a year of in-person and virtual meetings with hundreds of critical stakeholders, including national public health experts, New Jersey state departments and agencies, health systems, physicians, doulas, community organizations, and mothers and families.

Nurture NJ encompasses the entire work of the Murphy Administration on maternal and infant health. In addition to the Strategic Plan, Nurture NJ’s ongoing efforts include over 43 pieces of maternal and infant health legislation signed by Governor Murphy, funding for groundbreaking programs and policies, an annual Black Maternal and Infant Health Leadership Summit, a Family Festival event series, and the development of a first-of-its-kind Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center to continue the work beyond this administration.

Together, we are solving this crisis and will make New Jersey the safest, most equitable place in the nation to deliver and raise a baby.


[1] States With Abortion Bans Are Among Least Supportive for Mothers and Children - The New York Times (nytimes.com)

[2] NJSHAD - (state.nj.us) and New Jersey Maternal Mortality Report 2016-2018 (nj.gov)

Family Festivals

 

First Lady Tammy Murphy’s Family Festivals connect families with state, county, and local resources – creating a one-stop shop for care, support, resources, and relief.

A wide variety of resources are available at our Family Festivals – including eye exams, pediatric services, mental health services, addiction services, energy assistance programs, child care, food and housing assistance programs, and more. Children can enjoy free food, music, face painting, balloon animals, and more while you sign up for services, get direct answers from providers, and learn more about the programs and resources available to you in your city!

In three years, First Lady Tammy Murphy has hosted six festivals in Paterson, Trenton, Camden, Newark, Atlantic City, and Jersey City, connecting over 5,550 individuals with 585 providers.

Thank you to the Nicholson Foundation for funding each of our festivals, and thank you to our lead partners in the following cities:

The First Lady has also launched Mini Family Festivals. These events are developed in partnership with Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) across the state and the New Jersey Motor Vehicles Commission (NJMVC). Pregnant moms who receive prenatal care services at the centers can sign up for appointments to receive services at MVC’s mobile unit, and the day of the event, as they are waiting for their appointments, they can walk around and stop by each of the providers’ tables, learn about their services, sign up for programs, and more.

Thank you to our lead partners in the following cities:

For more information, please contact familyfestival@nj.gov.

Black Maternal and Infant Health Summit

 

For three years, First Lady Tammy Murphy has held an annual Black Maternal and Infant Health Leadership Summit, bringing together experts from across the state to discuss and identify solutions to New Jersey’s maternal and infant health crisis. Over 150 participants were present at each Summit, ranging from doulas, providers, health systems, elected officials, nonprofits, activists, moms, state departments and agencies, and more!


Photo from the Event
Photo from the Event
Photo from the Event
Representatives are assigned to a table to discuss best practices in tackling systemic racism and implicit bias, as well as a topic related to maternal and infant health – health care, education, nutrition, workforce development, housing, transportation, and environment.

Photo from the Event
Photo from the Event
Photo from the Event
Nurture NJ emphasizes collaboration to achieve its goal of making New Jersey the safest, most equitable place in the nation to deliver and raise a baby. Hundreds of organizations across the state are working tirelessly for New Jersey’s mothers and babies, and together we can help move the needle forward.

Photo from the Event
Photo from the Event
Photo from the Event

Press Releases

 

Programs and Resources

Pregnancy and COVID-19

We remain committed to ensuring all of New Jersey’s mothers have the tools and resources needed to have a safe and healthy birth during this pandemic.

Pregnant women can be accompanied by both a doula and one support person during the entire duration of their hospital stay. This support person can be a spouse, partner, friend, or family member. Contact your local hospital to find out how they plan to keep you, your baby, and your family safe.

Contact your health care professional to discuss any necessary precautions for your birth plan. If you feel sick or have any concerns, please contact your health care professional immediately.

The New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute, in partnership with neonatologists, obstetricians, doulas, midwives, labor and delivery nurses, social workers, and others, has developed a report of comprehensive recommendations for pregnant individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic. The report, Recommendations of the New Jersey Perinatal Care During COVID-19 Work Group, is intended to guide clinicians, families, and caregivers through pregnancy during these unprecedented times. Read the report here.


For more information on NJDOH’s Family Health Services like WIC, home visiting, or doula programs, call 1-800-328-3838 or visit https://www.nj.gov/health/fhs/

For general questions about COVID-19, call 2-1-1 or 1-800-962-1253 or text NJCOVID to 898-211 or visit https://covid19.nj.gov/

For more information about NJFamilyCare, New Jersey’s Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program, visit NJFamilyCare.org.

For more information on how COVID-19 can impact pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/pregnancy-breastfeeding.html

For emotional support during the COVID-19 pandemic, NJ Human Services offers free, confidential support seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. through NJ Mental Health Cares. Call 1-866-202-HELP (4357) to reach live, trained specialists.

 

Maternity, Infant, and Early Childhood (0-3)

NJ Parent Link

NJ Parent Link highlights state services and resources for expectant parents, families with young children (newborns to children entering kindergarten) and professional stakeholders vested in the health & well-being of New Jersey's children & families. Parenting and support resources for families with older children, school aged to young adulthood, are also available.
Learn more about NJ Parent Link here.

COVID-19: NJ Parent Link has launched an information hub for COVID-19 resources.

Healthy Women, Healthy Families (HWHF) is a Department of Health initiative to improve maternal & infant health outcomes by reducing racial & economic disparities. HWHF uses county-specific Central Intake Hubs to connect new & expectant mothers to Community Health Workers, who then connect them to healthcare resources like home visitation programs & doula care services.
Learn more about Healthy Women, Healthy Families here.Find a local Central Intake office here .

COVID-19: Doulas provide support during pregnancy, labor, delivery and after birth. Doulas who are unable to attend the birth at the hospital may provide support by telephone and video communication. For more info about the Department of Health’s pilot doula programs, call the Family Health Line at 1-800-328-3838.

WIC is a successful public health nutrition program that provides wholesome food, nutrition education and community support for income eligible women who are pregnant and post-partum, infants and children up to five years old.
Learn more here. Find a local WIC agency here

COVID-19: NJ WIC services are currently delivered remotely. New applications are processed by phone. Participants continue to receive services by phone and checks by mail.
NJ WIC has also expanded the food choices available to give participants more flexibility in the brand and size of foods in such categories as bread, milk, eggs, and more. Restrictions and/or limitations on WIC purchases will not be allowed.
If you are in quarantine or isolation and cannot make it to the store, a trusted neighbor, friend or relative who is at least 16 years old can pick up your groceries for you. You will need to make arrangements with your local WIC agency to assign this person as your “Emergency Proxy.”
NJ WIC is also working closely with their infant formula contractor, Mead Johnson, to ensure infant formula supplies are fully stocked at retail stores so that participants do not leave the store without their full allotted benefit.
For more info, call the Family Health Line at 1-800-328-3838 or click here.

NJ WIC Online
NJ WIC Online allows participants to complete their WIC nutrition education requirements with a selection of fun games and activities.
Click here to access WIC Online.

Breastfeeding Support
A mother’s milk is tailored for her baby and important for optimum infant growth and development and the health of both mother and baby. To encourage healthy development in babies and mothers, NJ Parent Link and WIC offer advice and services for breastfeeding support.
Learn more about breastfeeding support services here and here.

WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program
The WIC Farmers Market program provides locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs to WIC participants and senior citizens. WIC participants receive four $5 checks/vouchers from their local WIC, which can be used to redeem for fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs.
Learn more about the WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program here. Find local WIC agencies here.

Home Visitation Programs, in the Department of Children and Families, provide at-home information and support to expectant or new parents and caregivers. These programs also link families to resources and services that provide prenatal care, healthcare, WIC, transportation, social services, and more.
Click here for a list of home visiting service providers by county.

COVID-19: Home visitors are continuing to serve pregnant women and families in New Jersey through telephone and video communication. Please contact your local home visiting service providers to find out how your home visitor can continue to support you during the coronavirus outbreak.

Nurse Family Partnership (NFP)
NFP focuses on first-time pregnant women and mothers to ensure healthier pregnancies and births, stronger child development, and better financial self-sufficiency.
Learn more about NFP here. Find a local nurse here.
COVID-19: NFP has adapted their programming to comply with social distancing by offering telehealth services and maximizing flexibility in their visit schedule. For more information on NFP’s telehealth services, click here.

Parents as Teachers (PAT)
PAT provides at-home services where certified parent educators help bolster the development, learning, and health of early childhood education and family support.
Learn more about PAThere. Find a local parent educator here.

Healthy Families - TANF Initiative for Parents (TIP)
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits and services offer assistance to needy families through a series of purposes: providing at-home care for children in needy families, reducing dependencies of needy parents by helping them obtain skills to become self-sufficient, preventing and reducing incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies, and encouraging the formation and maintenance of two-parent families. Healthy Families - TANF Initiative for Parents (TIP) offers parenting guidance through either personal home visitation or community-based support sessions.
Learn more about Healthy Families - TIP here. Learn more about TANF here.

Quality child and infant care can help foster healthy early development of young children.

COVID-19: As of April 1, only child care centers that exclusively serve the children of essential workers are allowed to remain open. Following a registration process, more than 500 child care agencies statewide have been certified to provide emergency child care services. Emergency child care centers that remain open must abide by new Department of Children and Families health and safety guidelines.
If you are an “essential” employee needing child care, you must register with the Department of Human Services’ county-based Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) Agencies here. You will be contacted by a CCR&R agency who will help you identify a participating child care provider.
Emergency Child Care Assistance Program: If you are an essential employee and need child care, regardless of your income, you can apply for emergency child care assistance to help support your child care costs. The state-supported program will pay a fixed rate per week per child through the end of May. Families choosing a child care center with higher rates will need to pay the balance directly to the provider, but such rates cannot exceed up to a limit of 110 percent of the rate the center charged in February 2020.
Learn more and apply for the Emergency Child Care Assistance Program here.

Early Head Start
Early Head Start is a federal program that serves expectant mothers and infants under the age of 3 with at-home or care center intensive comprehensive child development and family support services.
Learn more about Early Head Start here. Find local head start programs here.

Child & Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
The Child & Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a daycare-based program that promotes the development of basic nutritional concepts and provides well-balanced meals to encourage good eating habits.
Learn more about CACFPhere. Find participating CACFP locations here.

Locate a Family Planning Center near you by visiting the New Jersey Family Planning League’s website.

Plan First
Plan First is a family planning program developed to meet the needs of New Jersey women and men. The Plan First Program has a benefits package that includes most birth control methods and some reproductive health care services designed to reduce unintended pregnancies. Family planning services do not provide minimum essential health care coverage such as physicals.
Learn more about Plan First here.

Teen parents may need extra support and guidance as they transition into parenthood.
Learn more about the New Jersey Youth Resource Spot here. Find available services at the Youth Resource Spot here.

COVID-19: The Department of Children and Families Youth Council has created a Youth COVID-19 Resource Guide for current and former foster youth, which can be found here.

Project TEACH
Project TEACH provides a 12-month educational support program for pregnant or new teen parents at risk of school failure by offering lessons in financial literacy, technology, conflict resolution, parenting and co-parenting, and more.
Learn more here. Find participating schools here.

Parent Linking Program (PLP)
The Parent Linking Program (PLP) provides services that help young parents endure the socioeconomic and psychological challenges of teenage pregnancy by offering counseling, support, and care necessary for them to complete a high school education and strengthen their parenting skills.
Learn more here.

Early Intervention Services are designed to address a problem or delay in development as early as possible, for infants and toddlers up to age three.

COVID-19: New Jersey Early Intervention Services (NJEIS) will continue to receive and process new referrals through the statewide referral number - 1-888-653-4463.

Language Instruction for deaf and hard of hearing children 0 – 5
Children with hearing loss, 0 to 5, can receive American Sign Language instruction to develop their language skills at an early age. For information about the leveling the playing field program, click here.

 

Health and Healthcare

Family Health Services

Family Health Services is a five-program area division that works to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of families and communities in New Jersey.

COVID-19: NJ WIC services are currently delivered remotely. New applications are processed by phone. Participants continue to receive services by phone and checks by mail.
NJ WIC has also expanded the food choices available to give participants more flexibility in the brand and size of foods in such categories as bread, milk, eggs, and more. Restrictions and/or limitations on WIC purchases will not be allowed.
If you are in quarantine or isolation and cannot make it to the store, a trusted neighbor, friend or relative who is at least 16 years old can pick up your groceries with your WIC check. You will need to make arrangements with your local WIC agency to assign this person as your “Emergency Proxy.”
NJ WIC is also working closely with their infant formula contractor, Mead Johnson, to ensure infant formula supplies are fully stocked at retail stores so that participants do not leave the store without their full allotted benefits.
For more info, call the Family Health Line at 1-800-328-3838 or click here.

Community Health and Wellness
Community Health and Wellness encourages healthy lifestyles through tips on nutrition, fitness, tobacco control, and chronic disease programs.
Learn more here.

Primary Care and Rural Health
Primary Care and Rural Health tailors to the healthcare needs of rural areas according to their unique infrastructure, resources, and environment.
Learn more here.

Maternal and Child Health
Maternal and Child Health resources address early health concerns by offering information and resources for mothers and babies.
Learn more here.

Special Child Health and Early Intervention Services (SCHEIS)
Special Child Health and Early Intervention Services (SCHEIS) foster the proper development and well-being of families by providing quality specialized healthcare and early intervention services.
Learn more here.

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
The New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women Infants and Children is commonly known as WIC. WIC is a successful public health nutrition program that provides wholesome food, nutrition education and community support for income eligible women who are pregnant and post-partum, infants and children up to five years old.
Learn more here.

The Division on Women supports local agencies that provide direct services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, including 24/7 hotlines, emergency shelter, crisis intervention, counseling, safety planning, court accompaniment, among other services.

The following hotlines are available 24/7:
Statewide Domestic Violence hotline: 1-800-572-SAFE (7233)
Domestic Violence Text Helpline: 1-609-619-1888
Statewide Sexual Assault hotline: 1-800-601-7200
Women’s Referral Central Hotline (all needs): 1-800-322-8092
Click here for a directory of county-based domestic and sexual violence programs.
Additional domestic violence services can be found through the New Jersey Department of Children and Families.

Peace: A Learned Solution (PALS) Program
PALS is a research-based program that uses creative arts therapies like art and dance for children who have been exposed to domestic violence.
Learn more about PALShere.

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF CBT)
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF CBT) is an evidence-based program that offers support in the aftermath of traumatic experiences for children, adolescents, and their caregivers. By offering a combination of individual child/parent sessions and conjoint parent-child sessions, children and caregivers experience positive growth through overcoming their trauma.
Learn more about TF-CBT here. Find local certified therapists here.

In New Jersey, it’s the law to have health insurance. The following health insurance programs provide access to health coverage for individuals and families.

COVID-19: If you have lost employer coverage or income, you may be able to enroll in coverage now through a Special Enrollment Period through GetCovered.nj.gov. Make sure to check with your employer or current health plan first about any options they are providing related to COVID-19 before you sign up for new coverage. Free or low cost coverage is also available through NJ FamilyCare for those who qualify.

There is no cost for COVID-19 testing and testing related services for NJ FamilyCare members.

Get Covered NJ
If you recently lost health care coverage from your employer, you can visit Get Covered NJ to find out about affordable health insurance plans that may fit your and your family’s needs. Through a Special Enrollment Period available to those losing employer-based coverage, you may be eligible for help in paying for premiums, deductibles and co-pays.
Learn more about Get Covered NJ here. Find out if you qualify for coverage here.

NJ FamilyCare
NJ FamilyCare provides free or low-cost health insurance coverage for adults, children, and families who meet the income eligibility requirements. For most residents, there are no co-pays or premiums. NJ FamilyCare covers doctor visits, eyeglasses, hospitalization, lab tests, and more.
Learn more about NJ FamilyCarehere . Apply here.
Click here for a list of FamilyCare Medical Assistance Customer Centers.
Call 1-800-701-0710 for help with questions about NJ FamilyCare.

Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund (CICRF)
The CICRF is a financial assistance program for families whose children have medical expenses not covered by health insurance or other state or federal programs.
Learn more about CICRF here. Apply here.

The Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI) in the Department of Human Services provides educational services from birth through 21 years of age, to eligible children and their families. These services are designed to allow students who are blind or vision impaired to participate equally with their sighted peers in classroom activities.
Click herefor a list of the services and programs offered.

New Jersey Early Intervention System (NJEIS)
Each county has a NJEIS County Coordinator who evaluates a baby’s service needs and makes referrals to CBVI for services related to deaf-blindness, blindness or vision impairment.
Learn more about NJEIS here.

Infant Services (birth to age 3)
CBVI staff will assess a child’s vision and, if eligible, offer specialized instruction tailored to his or her needs in the home. CBVI staff also work closely with family members, early intervention providers and healthcare professionals to assist the child in making a smooth transition to preschool at age three.

Learn more about CBVI’s infant services here.

Deaf-Blind Services (birth through 21)
CBVI offers special services to help meet the needs of children who have both vision and hearing deficits. These may include referring the child to a hearing professional to assess the level of the child’s hearing impairment, conducting an information environment assessment, consulting with family members, teaching staff, and loaning the student adaptive equipment and materials.
Learn more about CBVI's deaf-blind serviceshere.

COVID-19: A free emotional support helpline is now available to deaf and hard of hearing New Jerseyans feeling the emotional and mental toll of COVID-19. With support from NJ Human Services, ACCESS at St. Joseph's Health in Paterson is offering help in American Sign Language to people dealing with anxiety and worry related to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. New Jerseyans can call the videophone helpline at 973-870-0677 for free, confidential support. Direct communication in sign language will be offered from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday by live trained specialists.

NJ Human Services has also launched a website for the deaf and hard of hearing for the latest COVID-19 information.

Information and Referral Services for Individuals with Disabilities
NJ Human Services provides a single point-of-entry for people seeking information and services available to support New Jersey residents with disabilities. Through a toll-free hotline, 1-888-285-3036, nationally certified Information and Referral Specialists (I&R Specialists) are available to provide information and assist individuals with disabilities and their families in navigating state and local services.

NJ WorkAbility
NJ WorkAbility offers people with disabilities who are working and whose income would otherwise make them ineligible for Medicaid the opportunity to receive full Medicaid coverage. Learn more by speaking with an Information and Referral Specialist at the Division of Disability Services at 1-888-285-3036.
Learn more about NJWorkAbility here

The Department of Children and Families’ Children's System of Care (CSOC) serves children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral health care challenges and their families; children with developmental and intellectual disabilities and their families; and, children with substance use challenges and their families. CSOC is committed to providing services based on the needs of the child and family in a family-centered, community-based environment.

CSOC is the single point of access to a wide array of behavioral health, intellectual and developmental disability services as well as substance use treatment for youth and families throughout New Jersey. Anyone may call to get information about available programs and services. Generally, however, only a parent or legal guardian is authorized to request services.
Learn more here.
For more information regarding CSOC services, call 1-877-652-7624, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

COVID-19: All services through CSOC are available during COVID-19 through socially distant visits, tele-therapy and video conferencing.

Care Management Organization Services
Youth whose needs require moderate or intensive care management that cross multiple service systems may be eligible for enrollment with a CSOC Care Management Organization (CMO).
Learn more here.
For more information regarding CMO services and how to access them call 1-877-652-7624, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Mobile Response and Stabilization Services
Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) are available around the clock, 365 days a year, to youth in crisis, who may also be in danger of removal from their current living arrangements. MRSS can be delivered at the site of a crisis within one hour of a request and can remain in place up to eight weeks.
Learn more here.
For more information regarding Mobile Response services and how to access them call 1-877-652-7624, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Family Support Organizations
Family Support Organizations (FSO) offer peer support, advocacy, and other resources to families of youth with behavioral health needs, substance use needs, and intellectual and developmental challenges.
Learn more here.
For more information regarding Family Support Organizations call 1-877-652-7624, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

In-Home Supports and Services
CSOC offers a variety of in-home, clinical services for youth with mental health challenges and youth with developmental disabilities, including youth on the autism spectrum.
For more information regarding in-home supports and services and how to access them call 1-877-652-7624, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Out-of-Home Services
CSOC offers an array of out-of-home services of varying intensities for youth with behavioral health care challenges, developmental disabilities, and/or substance use challenges. To be eligible for out-of-home services through CSOC, youth must be enrolled with a CMO and meet applicable clinical criteria.
For more information regarding CSOC out-of-home services and how to access them call 1-877-652-7624, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Developmental Disability Services
CSOC offers an array of supports and services to youth determined eligible to receive developmental disability services. Available services include in-home supports and services such as applied behavior analysis (ABA), family support services such as respite, and out-of-home care.
For more information regarding CSOC developmental disability services and how to access them call 1-877-652-7624, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Family Support Services
For families of youth determined eligible to receive developmental disability services, CSOC offers a variety of family support services (FSS), which are designed to maintain and enhance the quality of life of youth and their families. FSS services include Respite Care, Educational Advocacy and Assistive Technology.
Learn more here.
For more information regarding CSOC out-of-home services and how to access them call 1-877-652-7624, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Substance Use Treatment Services
CSOC offers treatment services like detoxification, outpatient, intensive outpatient, partial care, short-term residential, and long-term residential approaches.
For more information regarding CSOC substance use treatment services and how to access them call 1-877-652-7624, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Substance Use Disorder Help
ReachNJ, supported by the Department of Human Services, is a 24-hour-a-day, 7 day-a-week addictions hotline where individuals with Substance Use Disorder (SUD) or friends and family of people with SUD can get immediate assistance and support from live, New Jersey-based, trained addiction counselors.
Call 844-REACHNJ for assistance.

 

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Benefits and Assistance Programs

Resources Directory

The NJ Human Services Resources Directory is a comprehensive guide to the various programs and services available through the Department of Human Services to New Jersey residents, caregivers and advocates.
Learn more about the directory here.

NJHelps

NJHelps helps individuals and families find out if they are eligible for food assistance (SNAP), cash assistance (WFNJ/TANF or WFNJ/GA), and health insurance (NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid) and apply for these services. They can also learn about additional resources.
Learn more about NJHelpshere.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
NJ Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance to families with low incomes to help them buy groceries through a benefits card accepted in most food retail stores and some farmer’s markets. Eligibility is determined by factors such as income and resources. You can use SNAP benefits to stretch your food budget and buy nutritious foods that can keep you and your family healthy.
Apply at NJHelps.org.
COVID-19: Eligible NJ SNAP recipients will now receive added benefits through the end of May 2020. The supplemental benefits will be directly loaded to Families First EBT cards as part of the regular monthly payment.

NJ FamilyCare
NJ FamilyCare - New Jersey's publicly funded health insurance program - includes CHIP, Medicaid and Medicaid expansion populations. That means qualified NJ residents of any age may be eligible for free or low cost health insurance that covers doctor visits, prescriptions, vision, dental care, mental health and substance use services and even hospitalization.
Learn more about NJ FamilyCarehere. Apply here.
Click here for a list of FamilyCare Medical Assistance Customer Centers.
Click here for a list of dental services listed by health plan.
COVID-19: There is no cost for COVID-19 testing and testing related services for NJ FamilyCare members.

Child Care Subsidy Program
The Department of Human Services’ Division of Family Development provides grants to help support programs and providers in the NJ Child Care Subsidy Program. Through the Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), the Child Care Subsidy Program provides financial assistance in child care for low-income families who are working, in training, or in school.
Learn more about the Child Care Subsidy Program here. Apply here.

WorkFirst NJ (NJ's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families - TANF)
The state's welfare reform program, WorkFirst NJ, emphasizes work as the first step toward building a new life and a brighter future. Our goal is to help people get off welfare, secure employment and become self-sufficient, through job training, education and work activities.
WFNJ provides temporary cash assistance and many other support services to families through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.
New Jersey is one of only a few states that also provides cash benefits and support services to individuals and couples with no dependent children, through our General Assistance (GA) program.
Learn more about WFNJ/TANF and WFNJ/GAhere.Contact your local welfare agency here for more information.

Supportive Assistance to Individuals and Family Program (SAIF)
Supportive Assistance to Individuals and Family Program (SAIF) helps families and individuals who have exhausted their five-year time limit on welfare and do not meet criteria for an exemption to the time limit to continue receiving cash grant support.
Learn more about SAIFhere

Health Insurance

In New Jersey, it’s the law to have health insurance. Failure to have health coverage or qualify for an exemption will result in a penalty. These health insurance programs help provide access to health coverage for individuals and small employers, regardless of health status, age, claims history, among other risk factors.
Learn more about your options on Get Covered NJ.

COVID-19: If you have lost employer coverage or income, you may be able to enroll in coverage now through a Special Enrollment Period. Make sure to check with your employer or current health plan first about any options they are providing related to COVID-19 before you sign up for new coverage. Free or low cost coverage is also available through NJ FamilyCare for those who qualify.

Get Covered NJ
Get Covered NJ has an online shopping tool that allows individuals to shop and compare affordable health insurance plans.
Learn more about Get Covered NJhere. Find out if you qualify for coverage here.

NJ FamilyCare
NJ FamilyCare provides free or low-cost health insurance coverage for adults, children, and families who meet the income eligibility requirements. For most residents, there are no co-pays or premiums. NJ FamilyCare covers doctor visits, eyeglasses, hospitalization, lab tests, and more.
Learn more about NJ FamilyCare here. Apply here.
Click here for a list of FamilyCare Medical Assistance Customer Centers.
Call 1-800-701-0710 for help with questions about NJ FamilyCare.
COVID-19: There is no cost for COVID-19 testing and testing related services for NJ FamilyCare members.

Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund (CICRF)
The CICRF is a financial assistance program for families whose children have medical expenses not covered by health insurance or other state or federal programs.
Learn more about CICRF here.Apply here.

Leave Benefits

Working mothers have a lot on their minds, whether they're pregnant or have just welcomed a new baby.
Our two programs can help make this time of transition a little easier.

  • Temporary Disability provides benefits for expectant mothers when they need to stop working before giving birth, and while recovering afterward.
  • Family Leave provides benefits after the recovery period so new mothers can bond with their babies during the first year.
Learn more about both programs here.
COVID-19: The Department of Labor has created an FAQ about their various programs and benefits available to workers during COVID-19.

Temporary Disability Leave Insurance (TDI)
TDI allows individuals suffering an illness, injury, or other disability that prevents them from working and wasn’t caused by their job.
Learn more here. Apply here.

Family Leave Insurance (FLI)
FLI allows parents to take time off before and after childbirth, and is intended for families to bond with a newborn or adopted child, or to care for a sick family member: mothers can utilize TDI up to four weeks after the expected delivery; after birth, mothers can take leave after delivery using TDI; and after leave, both parents can apply for FLI.
Learn more here. Apply here.

Energy Assistance

Low-income eligible households that are having difficulty paying their heating and cooling bills can contact the Office of Energy Assistance in the Department of Community Affairs for financial assistance and help in weatherizing their homes.
Contact the Office of Energy Assistance by visiting DCA’s website.

Low-Income Housing Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The Low-Income Housing Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides financial assistance with energy bills for very low-income individuals and families with medical heating and cooling needs.
Learn more about LIHEAP here. Download this form and submit your completed application to your Local Community Action Agency.

Universal Service Fund Program (USF)
The Universal Service Fund Program (USF) provides financial assistance with natural gas and electricity bills for low-income individuals and families.
Learn more about USF here. Download this form and submit your completed application to your Local Community Action Agency.

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) helps elderly, handicapped, and low-income individuals to weatherize homes, improve the heating system efficiency, and conserve energy.
Learn more about WAP here. Apply by contacting your local state weatherization agency, which you can find here.

Transportation Services

The Department of Transportation, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, works to ensure that no qualified person with a disability is excluded or denied the benefit of access to public transportation.

COVID-19: Customers who want to apply for Access Link, during the COVID-19 Pandemic, are encouraged to contact NJ Transit via email at adacert@njtransit.com with their name, address, phone and email address. NJ Transit will either send a modified application via email or call to help you complete the application via phone. Customers without access to email can call us at 800-955-2321 and select option #1.

Access Link Paratransit (NJ TRANSIT)
Access link is NJ TRANSIT’s paratransit service. The program provides origin to destination transportation, within a predetermined service area, for people with disabilities who qualify. Fares, schedules and rules are the same as standard local fixed route Bus and Light Rail services.
Pregnant mothers can apply for Access Link using the Maternal Infant Health application.
Learn more about Access Link here. If you are interested in applying for full Access Link eligibility, or want to discuss your transportation needs, call 800-955-2321 and select option #1 for the Certification Group.

NJ TRANSIT Reduced Fare Program
NJ TRANSIT also offers reduced fare for people with disabilities who use the Bus, Rail, or Light Rail to travel. Reduced Fare is not available for customers who use Access Link.

Learn more by contacting:
One Penn Plaza East, 5th Floor, Newark, New Jersey 07105
Phone: (973) 491-7112
Fax: (973) 609-1753
Email: reducedfare@NJTransit.com

Job Access Reverse Commute Program (JARC)
JARC works to provide transportation services for welfare recipients and low-income persons seeking employment. JARC allows better access to entry-level jobs with hours when public transit services are reduced or nonexistent.
Learn more about JARC here. Apply here.

Medical Transportation for Medicaid Enrollees
Individuals who need assistance with transportation for medical appointments for services such as visits to doctors, hospital visits and other services may be able to qualify for medical transportation through NJ FamilyCare.
To learn more about and apply for Medicaid click here.

LogistiCare Medical Transportation
LogistiCare acts as a medical transportation broker to deliver transportation services to Medicaid recipients in all counties.
Learn more here. Apply here.

 

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Food Assistance and Nutrition

Food Assistance Programs

COVID-19: Eligible SNAP recipients will receive added benefits through the end of May 2020. The supplemental benefits will be directly loaded to Families First EBT cards as part of the regular monthly payment.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance to families with low incomes to help them buy groceries through a benefits card accepted in most food retail stores and some farmers markets. Eligibility is set by several factors such as income and resources. You can use SNAP benefits to stretch your food budget and buy nutritious foods that can keep you and your family healthy.
Learn more and apply here.

WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program
The WIC Farmers Market Nutrition program provides locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs to WIC participants and senior citizens. WIC participants receive four $5 checks/vouchers from their local WIC, which can be used to redeem for fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs.
Learn more about the WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program here. Find local WIC agencies here.

Food Distribution Programs

Food distribution programs provide food and commodities to needy and underprivileged recipients like students, low-income individuals, families, and communities.
COVID-19: If you are quarantined or in home isolation, do not leave your home. Many pharmacies and grocery stores offer delivery. Please use these services to the extent possible. A friend or relative may also be able to bring you the supplies you need.
Local food banks may also be able to deliver to your home. Contact a food bank in your area and let them know about your situation. To find a local food bank, refer to this directory.
In addition, the New Jersey Division of Disability Services provides meals for individuals with permanent disabilities under the age of 60 living alone without support and who have an increased level of risk for serious or life-threatening complications if exposed to COVID-19. To see if you are eligible or to apply, please call 211.
Your local health department may also be able to assist you. The New Jersey Department of Health maintains a printable directory and an interactive map to help you find your local health department.
If you are in need of food, cash or other assistance, visit NJHelps to see if you are eligible for various state assistance programs like SNAP, WFNJ/TANF, or NJ FamilyCare. If you are an expectant parent or a new mom, you can also access WIC by contacting your local WIC office by phone.
If you are still experiencing difficulties, please call 211 for assistance.

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
TEFAP provides over 70 different food items to individuals covered by TANF, SNAP, SSI, Medicaid, low-income, and disaster relief participants. Participants receive food by visiting a nearby local distribution agency, which can be an emergency food pantry, a soup kitchen, a homeless shelter, or a needy feeding agency.
Learn more about TEFAP here . Find local food pantries here .

Nutrition Education

NJ SNAP-Ed
NJ SNAP-Ed, a part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), is a nutrition and fitness education program aimed at teaching NJ residents how to make healthy, budget-friendly food choices and lead more active lives.
Learn more about NJSNAP-Ed here.

Child & Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
CACFP is a daycare-based program that promotes the development of basic nutritional concepts and provides well-balanced meals to encourage good eating habits.
Learn more about CACFP here. Find participating CACFP locations here.

 

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Family Protection & Support Services

Child Welfare

Child welfare programs offer support and assistance to children in disadvantaged and dangerous situations.

Child Abuse Hotline
All reports of child abuse and neglect, including those occurring in institutional settings such as child care centers, schools, foster homes and residential treatment centers, must be reported to the State Central Registry (SCR). This is a toll-free, 24-hour, seven-days-a-week hotline.
Contact 1-877-NJABUSE
Learn more about the Child Abuse Hotline here .

Family Helpline
Families experiencing stress can speak to a trained volunteer peer who can provide moral support and refer callers to resources in their community for further assistance. This is a toll free, 24 hour, seven-days-a-week helpline.
Contact 1-800-THE-KIDS.

Child Support Hotline
Regardless of their living situation or relationship, parents should provide the financial, medical and emotional support a child needs to grow into a responsible adult. New Jersey's Child Support Program can help. Contact 1-877-NJ KIDS1 (1-877-655-4371)
Learn more about the Child Support Hotline here . Find local offices here .

Energy Assistance

Low-income eligible households that have difficulty paying their heating and cooling bills can contact the Office of Energy Assistance in the Department of Community Affairs for financial assistance and help in weatherizing their homes.
Contact the Office of Energy Assistance by visiting DCA’s website.

Low-Income Housing Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
LIHEAP provides financial assistance with energy bills for very low-income individuals and families with medical heating and cooling needs.
Learn more about LIHEAP here . Download this form and submit your completed application to your Local Community Action Agency .

Universal Service Fund Program (USF)
USF provides financial assistance with natural gas and electricity bills for low-income individuals and families.
Learn more about USF here . Download this form and submit your completed application to your Local Community Action Agency .

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
WAP helps elderly, handicapped, and low-income individuals to weatherize homes, improve the heating system efficiency, and conserve energy.
Learn more about WAP here . Apply by contacting your local state weatherization agency, which you can find here .

Housing Assistance

DCA has a variety of programs that can help you with rent/heating costs, prevention of eviction, reduction of utility bills, and removal of lead hazards from your home.
To see if you are eligible for NJ Assistance Programs, visit DCAid.com to complete the screening process.

COVID-19: You cannot be removed from your home during this emergency, even if a final judgment of foreclosure has been entered and a sheriff's sale of your property has taken place. For renters, no evictions can be executed during this time – you cannot be forced to vacate your home. The eviction moratorium will last until two months after Governor Murphy declares an end to the COVID-19 health crisis, unless the Governor issues another Executive Order to end it sooner.
To further aid homeowners facing hardship, the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency offers homeowners free counseling through its Foreclosure Mediation Assistance Program (FMAP). Counseling is free, available now, and can be provided remotely. Counselors will provide assistance to help homeowners avoid potential foreclosure.
For more information regarding the eviction moratorium, visit the Eviction Moratorium FAQ.
If you are facing eviction or potential foreclosure or need counseling, contact a housing counselor or call 1-800-NJ-HOUSE.
For more information on COVID19-related mortgage relief and answers to frequently asked questions, please visit the Mortgage Relief FAQ.

Social Service for the Homeless (SSH)
Social Service for the Homeless (SSH) providers are available in each county and provide housing assistance to New Jersey residents who are at risk of homelessness but are deemed ineligible for Emergency Assistance through our Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or General Assistance Programs or Supplemental Security Income. Services include temporary rental and utility, back-rent and security deposit assistance to prevent families from homelessness and assist them in maintaining or securing safe and stable housing.
Individuals and families experiencing homelessness, can call the statewide homeless assistance hotline NJ 2-1-1 for help.
Learn more about SSH here .

State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP)
The State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP) provides tenant-based and project-based rental assistance grants to extremely low-income residents in New Jersey.
Learn more about SRAP here . Apply here .

Lead-Safe Home Remediation Program (LSHR)
The Lead-Safe Home Remediation Program (LSHR) helps women and children identify and remediate lead-based paint hazards in their homes to prevent elevated blood lead-levels.
Learn more about LSHR here . Apply here .

Tax Credits

Eligible taxpayers can apply for different types of tax credits, which can help boost their financial security and/or credit.

NJ Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
NJEITC is a cash-back tax credit that puts money back into the pockets of working families and individuals, including the self-employed, who earn low to moderate income. You may be able to claim between $735 to $9,114 in Federal and State EITC depending on your income and family size.
Learn more about NJEITC here .

Child and Dependent Care Credit
Eligible resident taxpayers who are able to claim the Child and Dependent Care Credit for expenses they incur for the care of one or more qualifying individuals are now eligible for a credit against their New Jersey Gross Income Tax. A qualifying individual can be a child under age 13 or a spouse or dependent who lived with the taxpayer for more than half the year and is physically or mentally incapable of self-care.
Learn more about Child and Dependent Care Credit here .

Family Support

Family & Community Partnerships/Division on Women (FCP/DOW) Directory
The Family & Community Partnerships/Division on Women (FCP/DOW) Directory provides a list of resources and services for strengthening families, preventing abuse and neglect, and empowering survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
Find county-based FCP/DOW Directories here .

The Kinship Navigator Program
Kinship Navigator supports caregivers who have taken on the responsibility of caring for their relatives’ children. These children can include the caregiver’s siblings, nieces, nephews, or grandchildren. Local kinship agencies help caregivers navigate other forms of government assistance, determine their eligibility for Kinship Navigator Program benefits, and provide technical support with legal commitments to the child.
Learn more the Kinship Navigator Program here . Find local county-based services by calling 211 or 1-877-652-1148.
COVID-19: Each program will advise of their operational structure during COVID-19.

Family Success Centers (FSC)
Family Success Centers are safe and welcoming neighborhood gathering places where any community resident can go for support, information, and resources.  Centers offer numerous family oriented programs and strength-based activities for all ages. Through fun and educational activities, Family Success Centers connect families to resources in the community and strengthen connections between parents and children.  All activities are free and voluntary.
Learn more about about Family Success Centers here . Find local FSC’s here .
COVID-19: Each program will advise of their operational structure during COVID-19.

Strengthening Families (SF)
Strengthening Families (SF) promotes healthy development in children and families through reducing the risks caused by primary environments (homes, schools, workplaces, and communities) by offering guidance to childcare and familycare providers.
Learn more about Strengthening Families here .

NJ Youth Resource Spot (NJYRS)
NJ Youth Resource Spot (NJYRS) is a website that provides a network of services that support young people by connecting them to peers, organizations, and programs that benefit them.
Learn more about NJYRS here . Find local resources here .
COVID-19: Each program will advise of their operational structure during COVID-19.